Barb clamp with collet interlocks

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a barb clamp for a flexible tube having a predetermined inner diameter defining a passageway therein and an outer surface. The clamp includes a barb connector having a tubular configuration with a first end for disposing within an end of the tube, a cylindrical collet having a through center aperture slidable over the first end of the barb connector, the collet having a first end and a second end, the first end including a plurality resilient members each having a first lateral edge having a first interlocking portion and an opposing second lateral edge having a second interlocking portion, and a cylindrical sleeve having a through center aperture for slidably receiving the collet.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/411,852, filed Mar. 26, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,922,213, issued Apr. 12, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/411,852 in turn is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/034,279, filed Feb. 20, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,922,212, issued Apr. 12, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/963,457, filed on Oct. 13, 2004 and now abandoned, which claims the benefit of provisional patent application 60/512,231, filed on Oct. 17, 2003, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a fastening device for a tubular body.

BACKGROUND

The transfer of fluid through flexible tubing is widely used in various environments. Ultimately, the flexible tubing is connected to the source of the gaseous or liquid fluid, the delivery site of the fluid, or to flexible tubing. At the ends of the flexible tubing, it is necessary to provide a secure and leak proof connections. Although these requirements are necessary in all environments using flexible tubing, it is critical in the medical and pharmaceutical, food and beverage fields. In the medical and pharmaceutical fields flexible tubing and associated connections are used for luer fittings, quick connects, or sanitary fittings such as used in blood pumps, oxygen concentrators, sleep apnea equipment, medical transport containers, IV bags, etc. In some environments, and especially in the medical field, it is imperative to absolutely prohibit any liquids from getting between the tube and the connection fitting at the connection point. Any gap or abrupt change at the point of connection will entrap fluid, e.g. bio, blood, drugs, foodstuff, etc. This entrapment can cause growth of harmful bacteria.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of a barb clamp for a flexible tube having a predetermined inner diameter defining a passageway therein and an outer surface are disclosed herein. In once such embodiment, the clamp includes a barb connector, a cylindrical collet and a cylindrical sleeve. The barb connector has a tubular configuration with a first end for disposing within an end of the tube. The cylindrical collet has a through center aperture slidable over the first end of the barb connector and a first end and a second end. The first end includes a plurality resilient members each having a first lateral edge having a first interlocking portion and an opposing second lateral edge having a second interlocking portion. The cylindrical sleeve has a through center aperture for slidably receiving the collet.

Embodiments of a method for sealing a flexible tube, having a predetermined inner diameter defining a passageway therein, to a barb connector are also disclosed herein. In one such embodiment, the method includes placing a barb connector having a tubular configuration within an end of the tube. The method also includes positioning a cylindrical collet having a through center aperture over a first end of the barb connector, the collet having a first end and a second end, the first end including a plurality resilient members each having a first lateral edge having a first interlocking portion and an opposing second lateral edge having a second interlocking portion. Further, the method includes sliding a cylindrical sleeve having a through center aperture around the flexible tube and the collet so that each first interlocking portion receives a second interlocking portion of an adjacent resilient member.

Other embodiments are described in additional detail hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a current barb clamp;

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of an alternative to the current barb clamp;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a collet for the current barb clamp;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a sleeve for the current barb clamp;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an improved barb clamp according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the improved barb clamp;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the improved collet and sleeve;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 having a portion sectioned off to illustrate certain figures;

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the collet and sleeve of the barb clamp shown in FIG. 7 in an unlocked position;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the collet and sleeve shown in FIG. 7 in the locked position;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the barb clamp shown in FIG. 10 locked onto a tube;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the improved collet and sleeve;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 having a portion sectioned off to illustrate certain figures;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the collet and sleeve of the barb clamp shown in FIG. 12 in an unlocked position;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the collet and sleeve shown in FIG. 12 in the locked position;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the barb clamp shown in FIG. 15 locked onto a tube;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a collet and sleeve of a barb clamp of another alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the barb clamp shown in FIG. 17 locked onto a tube;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a barb clamp of another alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view of a barb clamp of another alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view of a barb clamp of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the current barb clamp connector 10 for coupling a barbed fitting 12 and a flexible tube 14 and discussed hereafter. The barb fitting 12 is generally made of a non-metal material which allows it to be heat welded to a proprolyene or ethylene medical or pharmaceutical bag. The same and similar materials can be used for biotech, pharmaceutical, medical, and foodstuff fitting connections and manifold applications. The fitting can also be made from other plastics and stainless steel when required. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the barbed fitting 12 may encompass different configurations but will generally include at least one expanded or barbed end 16 for a 360° radial compression connection to the flexible tube 14. If the barb clamp 10 is to be used in a medical or pharmaceutical environment, the barb fitting 12 is preferably made from an FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved polypropylene, silicone, TPE, TPR, etc. The barb fitting 12 may also include a flanged portion 17 which defines a stop for the barb clamp 10.

The barb clamp 10 includes a collet 18 and a sleeve 20. The collet 18 and the sleeve 20 are as shown in FIGS. 1-6 and are similar to the collet and sleeve discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/100,519 filed on Mar. 18, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,796,586 issued on Sep. 28, 2004.

The collet 18 is an essentially annular member having a through aperture 19 for receiving the end of a tube 14 therein. The sleeve 20 is also an annular member with a through aperture 21 for receiving the end of the tube 14 as well as having a diameter for also receiving the collet 18 therein.

Looking at FIG. 3 the collet 18 has an exterior surface 22 providing resilient means for radially contracting around the tube 14. The collet 18 has a first end 23 forming a discontinuous annular ring. Along the exterior surface 22 and adjacent to the first end 23 is an annular groove 26. Moving toward the second end 24 and beyond the annular groove 26, the collet forms eight resilient tangs 28. The tangs 28 radially flare out or expand slightly at the second end 24 of the collet 18. The tangs 28 begin to flare approximately at the mid section 27 of each tang 28. The tangs 28 are formed by narrow through slots 25 extending from the second end 24 and terminating at the annular groove 26. The slots 25 are shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 with rounded termination ends 25 a, however, the termination ends 25 a may have pointed ends, (not shown).

A small ramping ledge 30 projects above each termination end 25 a of the narrow through slots 25. The small ledges 30 provide added strength to the collet and also provide a stop means for the sleeve 20, as will be discussed hereinafter. Between each small ledge 30 there is a recessed planar portion 30 a extending into the annular groove 26. The eight tangs 28 form a resilient seal which allow the tangs to contract around a tubular member 14. Between every other tang 28 there is a through slot 29 which extends from the first end 23 to the mid-section 27 of the associated tang 28. The through slots 29 may also have rounded termination ends 29 a as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 or pointed termination ends (not shown). The through slots 29 provide resiliency to the first end 23 of the collet 18 without sacrificing durability. The interior surface 31 of the collet 18 is essentially smooth except for a shelf 32 equally positioned on each tang 28 at the mid-section 27 for reasons to be discussed further.

Looking at FIG. 4, the sleeve 20 has a smooth exterior annular surface 34. The sleeve 20 has a first or bottom end 36 forming an arcuate base to facilitate assembly to the collet 18. The interior surface 40 forms a slight outward taper at the second or top end 38 of the sleeve 20. The interior surface 40 is essentially smooth throughout the length of the sleeve 20 except for an annular projection 42 that extends from the inner surface. The annular projection 42 is sized and positioned on the sleeve 20 for disposition within the annular groove 26 of the collet 18 to form a lock when the barb clamp 10 is engaged. Therefore, the annular projection 42 is positioned proximate to the second or top end 38 of the sleeve 20.

The sleeve 20 is first placed over the end of the tube 14 so that the second or top end 38 of the sleeve 20 is spaced furthest away from the tube end. The collet 18 is then placed on the tube 14 so that the first end 23 of the collet 18 is closest to the sleeve 20. The expanded end 16 of the barbed fitting 12 is then placed into the tube 14. The expanded end 16 of the barbed fitting 12 is sized for being snugly received within the interior of the tube 14. The collet 18 is then slid over the tube 14 having the expanded end 16 of the barbed fitting 12 therein. The shelves 32 located on the interior surface 31 of the collet 18 are a retainer which forms a radial 360° compression around the tube 14 and under the expanded end 16 of the barb fitting 12 so that the barb fitting 12 cannot easily move out of the tube 14. The sleeve 20 is then slid over the collet 18 such that the first or bottom end 36 of the sleeve 20 initially encounters the first end 23 of the collet 18. As the sleeve 20 moves over the collet 18, the tangs 28 on the collet 18 are pushed radially inwardly into the tube 14 and barbed fitting 12, so that the annular shelf 32 of the collet 18 is pressed inwardly into the tube 14 and barbed fitting 12 to provide a tight seal therebetween and thereby lock the annular shelf 32 under the barb 16. The sleeve 20 continues over the collet 18 until the annular projection 42 on the interior surface 40 of the sleeve 20 sits within the annular groove 26 of the collet 18. The small ledges 30 on the exterior surface 34 of the collet 18 provides a stop and lock to prevent the annular projection 42 from moving out of annular groove 26. The barb clamp 10 “clicks” when the collet 18 and sleeve 20 lock together. The barb clamp 10 can then only be removed with the aid of a tool so that disconnection and leakages are prevented.

The improved barb clamp shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 has many of the same features as discussed with regard to FIGS. 1-4. However, the improved barb clamp 10 further includes an engineered designed barb fitting 112 which is designed to maintain the same cross sectional area of the bore or fluid passageway 100 a in the barb clamp 110 as the cross-sectional area of the bore or fluid passageway 100 in the tube 14 outside of the barb clamp 10. The fluid passageway 100 outside of the barb clamp 110 is defined by the inner bore of the tube 14. The fluid passageway 100 a in the improved barb clamp 110 is defined by the inner bore of the barb fitting 112, 212. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cross-sectional area of the fluid passageway 100 of the tube 14 is reduced within the barb clamp 10 as shown at 100 a in FIG. 1. The free end 50 of the barb fitting 12 in the prior art has a blunt end 52 with a thickness that causes a transition in the cross-sectional area of the fluid passageway 100 as the tubing 14 enters the barb clamp 10 and changes to the fluid passageway 100 a. One problem encountered when designing a barb connection is that it is generally necessary to have a smaller cross-sectional area of the bore in the barb fitting 12 in order to insert the barb fitting 12 into the tube 14. However, the improved clamp 10 provides a barb fitting 112, 212 that has essentially the same bore diameter as the tube 14, but can also easily be inserted into the tube 14.

In the improved barb clamp 110, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the barb fitting 112, 212 has an engineered bore size that has the same cross-sectional area as the bore 100 of the tubing 14. When the improved barb fitting 112, 212 is installed into a tube 14, there is no transition between the inner diameter of the tubing 14 and the inner diameter of the fitting 112. As a result, there is no pressure differential through the tubing or in the fluid from outside to inside of the barb clamp 110. Maintaining a constant pressure or a constant velocity of fluid throughout the system may be imperative in certain medical applications. To accomplish this, the free end 150 of the barb fitting 112, 212 is gradually tapered to a sharp point 152. The sharp point 152 on the free end 150 of the barb fitting 112 also allows for easy insertion of the barb fitting 112 into the tube 14. As a result of this configuration, liquid material should not get between the barb fitting 112, 212, and the tube 14.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative configuration of the barb clamp 110 which still maintains the same inner diameter of the passageway of the tube 14 whether the tube 14 is within the barb clamp or not. In FIG. 6, it is shown that the barb fitting 212 may include a bumper stop 230 which is attached to the flange 17 to act as a separate stop for the tube 14 while the flange 17 defines another stop for the collet 18, 218 and sleeve 20. The collet 218 may also be modified to have a tapered end 240 to correspond with a tapered end 40 of the sleeve. Further the annular shelf 232 of the collet 218 may be reconfigured to extend further into the tube 14 for a sturdier grip.

The collet 18 and sleeve 20 should be made of an FDA approved material if the barb clamp 10 is in a medical or pharmaceutical environment. The material should be resilient. Preferably the collet 18 is made of acetyl, silicon, or polypropylene. The sleeve 20 is preferably made of polycarbonate, silicon, or polypropylene. The components of the improved barb clamp are made of such material as polypropylene that can be sterilized in an autoclave for medical applications. Antimicrobial additives may also be added to the plastic material used in the manufacturing of at least one of the barb connector, collet, and sleeve.

FIGS. 7-11 show an alternative configuration of the barb clamp 310 according to the present invention. The barb clamp 310 of this embodiment is made of the same materials as disclosed in the previous embodiments. Looking first a FIG. 11, a barb clamp 310 is assembled onto a tube 314 for maintaining the tube 314 in fixed connection. The barb connector or fitting 312 has a tubular configuration. The barb connector 312 has a smooth inner bore 313 with a constant diameter therethrough defining a fluid passageway therein. The constant diameter of the inner bore 313 of the barb connector 312 equals the predetermined inner diameter 315 of the flexible tube 314. The barb connector 312 has a first end for disposing into one end of the flexible tube 314. The first end 322 has an outer angular or ramping surface 323 that commences from the inner surface 313 and extends radially outward away from the inner surface 313 defining a sharp point at the terminating end of the first end 322. As a result, the first end 322 of the barb connector 312 has no edge perpendicular to the fluid passageway of the barb connector 312, and there is no pressure differential in the fluid passageway in the tube 314 inside or outside of the barb clamp 310 when installed. The angular surface 323 extends along the entire radial periphery of the first end 322. The angular surface 323 terminates at a barbed point 324 formed along the exterior surface. The barb fitting 312 may also include a flanged portion 326 spaced from the first end 322 which acts as a stop for insertion of the barb connector 312 into the tube 314. The configuration of the pointed first end 322 of the barb fitting 312 provides a constant fluid passage diameter of the tube 314 whether the fluid passageway in the tube 314 is inside or outside of the barb connector 312.

The barb clamp 310 includes a collet 318 and a sleeve 320. The collet 310 and the sleeve 320 are as shown in FIGS. 7-11. In the illustrated embodiment, the collet 318 and sleeve 320 are connected together by frangible tabs 328 as will be discussed hereinafter. The collet 318 is an annular member having a through aperture 319 for receiving the end of the tube 314 therein. The outer surface 330 of the collet 318 has a bi-level configuration wherein the diameter of the outer surface 330 a adjacent the first end 332 is less than the diameter of the outer surface 330 b adjacent the second end 334. The first and second outer surfaces 330 a, 330 b are separated and defined by a ledge 336 positioned at the midpoint of the collet 318.

The interior surface 319 of the collet 318 has an essentially smooth radial surface except at the first end 332, wherein an annular ridge 338 is positioned. The annular ridge 338 is defined by a lead-in annular surface 340 that angles inwardly to the reduced diameter of the ridge 338. The angle leading edge 340 facilitates the entry and assembly of the barbed end 322 of the connector 312 and tube 314. The second end 334 of the collet 318 has a radial surface perpendicular to the fluid passageway. A plurality of the frangible tabs 328 are connected to and extend from the radial surface 334 of the second end. Opposing ends of the frangible tabs 328 are also connected to an inner surface of the sleeve 320 as will be discussed hereinafter.

Elongate through slits 342 commence at and are opened to the first end 332 of the collet 318. The plurality of slits 342 are equally spaced along the circumference of the collet 318. The slits 342 have elongated lateral edges 343 a 343 b that are spaced from each other forming a gap therebetween. The slits 342 extend approximately two-thirds of the axial length way into the body of the collet 318 from the first end 332. By example only, the slits 342 are positioned directly in alignment with the frangible tabs 328.

The second end 334 of the collet 318 also includes a plurality of through slits 344. The slits 344 are configured the same as the slits 342. The slits 344 also include lateral spaced edges 345 a, 345 b. The slits 344 extend and are opened to the second end 334 of the collet 318 and extend two-thirds of the axial length into the body of the collet 318. The slits 344 are equally spaced between adjacent slits 342. Therefore, there is a center portion of the collet 318 into which both sets of slits 342, 344 extend. The slits 342,344 allow for a resilient seal around the tube 314 when the barb clamp 310 is in a locked position.

The sleeve 320 has a smooth exterior surface 350. The interior surface 351 of the sleeve has a radial lip 352 formed at the first end 354 of the sleeve. The interior surface 351 has an expanded radial section 358 adjacent to the lip 352. The expanded section 358 has an expanded radial diameter for accommodating the second section 330 b of the exterior of the collet 318 when the barb clamp is in the locked position. The expanded section 358 terminates at a ledge 360 defined by a reduced diameter portion 362. Axially, the reduced diameter portion 362 is followed by a ramped portion 364 that ramps outwardly to an expanded end portion 366. The expanded end portion 366 is adjacent to the second end 356 of the sleeve 320. Opposing end portions of the frangible tabs 328 are positioned and connected to the wall of the interior expanded end portion 366 of the sleeve. The connection of the frangible tabs 328 to the collet 318 and sleeve 320 form a gap 329 between the second end 356 of the sleeve 320 and the second end 334 of the collet 318 so that the frangible tabs 328 are the only connection between the collet and sleeve when the barb clamp is in the unlocked position. The position of the frangible tabs 328 relative to the collet 318 and sleeve 320 allow for breakage of the frangible tabs 328 from the collet 318 with a predetermined applied force.

For installation, the attached collet 318 and sleeve 320 are slipped onto the end of the tube 314 with the sleeve 320 end placed on the tube 314 first. The barb fitting or connector 312 is inserted into the end of the tube 314 leading with the pointed barbed end 322. Once the barb connector 312 is tightly installed into the end of the tube 314, the collet 318 is slid back over that end of the tube 314 enclosing both the end of the tube 314 and the barb connector 312. A locking instrument can be used to break the frangible tabs 328 to detach the sleeve 320 from the collet 318 and slide the sleeve 320 over collet 318. Although the tabs 328 are broken away from the collet 318, the portions of the tabs 328 on the inside surface 366 of the sleeve remain in tact and connected to the sleeve 320.

As the sleeve 320 moves over the collet 318, the second end 334 of the collet 318 breaks off the frangible tab portions 328 attached to the inner surface 362 of the sleeve 320. As the sleeve 320 continues its axial movement over the collet 318, the second end 334 of the collet follows the ramp 364; and the slits 344 squeeze together eliminating the gap between the side edges 345 a, 345 b to provide a resilient seal around the tube 314. The sleeve 320 continues to move over the collet 318 until the second end 334 of the collet 318 is locked and abuts below the radial lip 352 in the sleeve. The radial lip 352 stops further axial movement of the sleeve 320 relative to the collet 318. In the locked position as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the second outer surface 330 b of the collet 318 is adjacent to the expanded section 358 in the sleeve 320.

The ledge 336 on the collet 318 snaps over and is held on the inner ledge 360 of the sleeve 320. The reduced diameter portion 362 of the sleeve 320 contracts the first section 330 a of the collet 318 and removes the gap between the side edges 343 a and 343 b of the slit 342. The reduced section 362 is positioned to affect the contraction of each of the gaps 342 and 344. The tab portions 328 that remain connected to the sleeve 320 grip the outer surface 330 a of the collet 318 adjacent to the first end 332. When the sleeve 320 is locked over collet 318, the barb fitting 312 and the tube 314, there is a 360° radial compression connection of the tube 314.

FIGS. 12-16 show an alternative configuration of a barb clamp 410 according to the present invention. The barb clamp 410 of this embodiment is similar in structure to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7-11 and can be made of the same materials as disclosed in the previous embodiments. Features in this embodiment which are similar to features already discussed with reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 7-11, are referenced using the same numerals and are not discussed in further detail. Unlike the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7-11, this embodiment does not contain frangible tabs.

In the illustrated embodiment in FIGS. 12-16, the collet 318 and sleeve 320 are connected together by a frangible meniscus of material 428. The frangible meniscus 428 can be connected to and extend from the radial surface of the second end 334 of the collet 318. Unlike the connection of the frangible tabs 328 illustrated in FIGS. 7-11, frangible meniscus 428 can extend through the entire length of radial surface 334. Alternatively, frangible meniscus can extend to only a portion of the length of radial surface 334.

Opposing end portions of the frangible meniscus 428 can be positioned and connected to the wall of the interior expanded end portion 366 of the sleeve. Alternatively, frangible meniscus can be positioned and connected to a radial surface of the end portion 366 of sleeve 210. Frangible meniscus 428 can be the only connection between the collet and sleeve when the barb clamp is in the unlocked position. The position of the frangible meniscus 428 relative to the collet 318 and sleeve 320 allow for breakage of the frangible meniscus 428 from the collet 318 and sleeve 320 with a predetermined applied force.

The frangible meniscus 428 can be made of any suitable material that permits the sleeve 320 and the collet 318 to remain intact while in the unlocked position and permits the sleeve and collet 318 to break away from one another while in the locked position. For example, the frangible meniscus 428 can be made of thin webs of plastic or the like.

For installation, the attached collet 318 and sleeve 320 are slipped onto the end of the tube 314 with the sleeve 320 end placed on the tube 314 first. The barb fitting or connector 312 is inserted into the end of the tube 314 leading with the pointed barbed end 322. Once the barb connector 312 is tightly installed into the end of the tube 314, the collet 318 is slid back over that end of the tube 314 enclosing both the end of the tube 314 and the barb connector 312. A locking instrument can be used to break the frangible meniscus 428 to detach the sleeve 320 from the collet 318 and slide the sleeve 320 over collet 318 to attain a 360° radial compression connection of the tube 314. The frangible meniscus 428 can be broken away from both the collet 318 and the sleeve 320. Alternatively, the frangible meniscus can remain intact to at least one of the collet 318 and the sleeve 320.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show an alternative configuration of a barb clamp 510 according to the present invention. The barb clamp 510 of this embodiment is similar in structure to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7-11 and can be made of the same materials as disclosed in the previous embodiments. Features in this embodiment which are similar to features already discussed with reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 7-11, are referenced using the same numerals and are not discussed in further detail. Unlike the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7-11, this embodiment contains a plurality of interlocks 570 in collet 318. In other embodiments, the collet can contain one or more interlocks 570 and are not limited to the number shown in the Figures.

FIG. 17 show an alternative configuration of a barb clamp 510 according to the present invention in its unlocked configuration. Elongate through slits 542 commence at and can be opened to the first end 332 of the collet 318. The plurality of slits 542 are equally spaced along the circumference of the collet 318. The slits 542 have elongated lateral edges 543 a, 543 b that are spaced from each other forming a gap therebetween. The slits 542 can extend approximately two-thirds of the axial length way into the body of the collet 318 from the first end 332. By example only, the slits 342 are positioned directly in alignment with the frangible tabs 328.

Lateral edges 543 a can contain a projection 572. Lateral edges 543 b can contain a groove 574. Groove 574 can be shaped in a manner to receive projection 572 and for interlocking lateral edge 543 a and lateral edge 543 b. Each projection 572 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 is a trapezoidal shaped projection. However, projections may have pointed ends, square ends, rounded ends or any other suitably-shaped end. Grooves 574 will generally have the same shape as projections 572 so that as sleeve 320 moves over collet 318, interlocks 570 will hold collet 318 together.

FIG. 18 shows barb clamp 510 in its locked configuration according to techniques and method discussed above. As such, collet 318 will move into the sleeve where the, for example, the jaw of an assembly tool (not shown) does not contact the bottom of the collet. Accordingly, interlocks 570 permit barb clamp 510 assembly to be locked without having an operator perform the step of turning and closing the barb clamp 510 after the sleeve has been secured in the collet.

FIG. 19 shows an alternative configuration of a barb clamp 610 according to the present invention. Barb clamp 610 includes a collet 618 and a sleeve 620. Collet 618 is an essentially annular member having a through aperture 619 for receiving the end of a tube (not shown) therein. Sleeve 620 is also an annular member with a through aperture 621 for receiving the end of the tube as well as having a diameter for also receiving collet 618 therein. This embodiment also contains a plurality of interlocks 670 in collet 618. In other embodiments, the collet can contain one or more interlocks 670 and are not limited to the number shown in the Figures.

Collet 618 has an exterior surface 622 providing resilient means for radially contracting around the tube. Collet 618 has a first end 623 forming a discontinuous annular ring. Moving toward a second end 624 and beyond the annular groove 26, collet 618 forms eight tangs 628. Tangs 628 radially flare out or expand slightly at second end 624 of collet 618. Tangs 628 are formed by narrow through slits or slots 625 extending from second end 624 and terminating at a termination end 625 a at approximately two thirds the length of collet 618.

Ramping ledges 630 project above each termination end 625 a of through slots 625. Ledges 630 can provide added strength to collet 618 and also provide a way of stopping sleeve 620 when it is pre-locked with collet 618. Between every other tang 628, A through slit or slot 629 extends from the first end 623 to the mid-section of the associated tang 628.

Slots 625 have elongated lateral edges 643 a, 643 b that are spaced from each other forming a gap therebetween. Similar to those described in connection with FIGS. 17 and 18, lateral edges 543 a can contain a projection 672 and lateral edges 643 b can contain a groove 674. Groove 674 can be shaped in a manner to receive projection 672 and for interlocking lateral edge 643 a and lateral edge 643 b. Each projection 672 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 is a pointed or triangular shaped projection. However, projections may have trapezoidal ends, square ends, rounded ends or any other suitably-shaped end. Grooves 674 will generally have the same shape as projections 672 so that as sleeve 620 moves over collet 618, interlocks 670 will hold collet 618 together. As such, collet 618 will move into the sleeve where the, for example, the jaw of an assembly tool (not shown) does not contact the bottom of the collet. Accordingly, interlocks 670 permit barb clamp 610 assembly to be locked without having an operator perform the step of turning and closing the barb clamp 610 after the sleeve has been secured in the collet.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show two alternative embodiments of interlocks 770 and 870 respectively, according to the present invention. FIG. 20 illustrates an interlock 770 with a circular-shaped projection 772 and a circular shaped groove 774. FIG. 21 illustrates an interlock 870 with a square-shaped projection 872 and a square-shaped projection 874. Of course, other suitably shaped projections and grooves are also available.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law. 

1. A barb clamp for a flexible tube having a predetermined inner diameter defining a passageway therein and an outer surface, the clamp comprising: a barb connector having a tubular configuration with a first end for disposing within an end of the tube; a cylindrical collet having a through center aperture slidable over the first end of the barb connector, the collet having a first end and a second end, the first end including a plurality of resilient members each having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, with adjacent resilient members separated by a slit defined by the first lateral edge of one adjacent resilient member and the second lateral edge of another adjacent resilient member, wherein each first lateral edge has a first interlocking portion and an adjacent second lateral edge has a second interlocking portion configured to be received within the first interlocking portion when a width of each slit is reduced; and a cylindrical sleeve having a through center aperture for slidably receiving the collet.
 2. The barb clamp of claim 1, wherein the first interlocking portion is a groove.
 3. The barb clamp of claim 2, wherein the groove is selected from the group consisting of triangular-shaped, U-shaped and square-shaped.
 4. The barb clamp of claim 1, wherein the second interlocking portion is a projection.
 5. The barb clamp of claim 4, wherein the projection is selected from the group consisting of triangular-shaped, U-shaped and square-shaped.
 6. The barb clamp of claim 1, wherein the barb connector has a smooth inner bore with a constant diameter defining a fluid passageway therein, the constant diameter of the inner bore equal to the predetermined inner diameter of the tube.
 7. A method for sealing a flexible tube, having a predetermined inner diameter defining a passageway therein, to a barb connector, comprising: placing a barb connector having a tubular configuration within an end of the tube; positioning a cylindrical collet having a through center aperture over a first end of the barb connector, the collet having a first end and a second end, the first end including a plurality resilient members each having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, with adjacent resilient members separated by a slit defined by the first lateral edge of one adjacent resilient member and the second lateral edge of another adjacent resilient member, wherein each first lateral edge has a first interlocking portion and an adjacent second lateral edge has a second interlocking portion; and sliding a cylindrical sleeve having a through center aperture around the flexible tube and the collet so that each first interlocking portion receives a second interlocking portion of an adjacent resilient member as a width of the slit is decreased.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first interlocking portion is a groove.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the groove is selected from the group consisting of triangular-shaped, U-shaped and square-shaped.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the second interlocking portion is a projection.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the projection is selected from the group consisting of triangular-shaped, U-shaped and square-shaped.
 12. The method of claim 7, wherein the barb connector has a smooth inner bore with a constant diameter defining a fluid passageway therein, the constant diameter of the inner bore equal to the predetermined inner diameter of the tube. 